Carmen Colon
Chicago
Summary
Detail-oriented merchandising professional aiming to apply years of successful industry experience to add value to Visual Merchandiser role within a reatil team. Eager to apply knowledge of sales strategy, creativity and consumer behavior to drive sales and increase revenue.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Visual Merchandising Manager
Ashley Furniture Homestore
Chicago
08.2022 - Current
- Developed engaging visual displays to enhance store aesthetics and customer experience.
- Trained staff on visual merchandising standards and best practices.
- Managed inventory levels to ensure display accuracy and freshness.
- Coordinated seasonal transitions for displays and promotional materials.
- Implemented brand guidelines to maintain consistency across store layouts.
- Executed marketing campaigns through creative visuals that effectively communicated key messages to customers.
- Provided guidance on best practices for visual merchandising techniques such as color blocking, layering, and asymmetry.
- Developed and implemented visual merchandising strategies to optimize customer experience and improve sales.
Visual Merchandising Team Lead
Target
Chicago
06.2019 - 08.2022
- Presented updated floor plans and design strategy to store management.
- Managed visual displays for Target company to drive exposure and increase revenue.
- Supervised up to 7 employees on merchandising team.
- Promoted new product releases and limited edition items to drive sales.
- Established and maintained proper high-traffic displays, resulting in increased sales.
- Exceeded customer satisfaction by finding creative solutions to problems.
- Placed prices and descriptive signage to enhance displays and promote items.
- Trained and mentored team members on best practices for visual displays.
Visual Merchandiser
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
Chicago
08.2012 - 05.2019
- Maximizing sales and visual impact while upholding company guidelines and directives.
- Updated/Maintained mannequin and window form styling as directed by seasonal changes.
- Involved in rearranging, merchandising, and replenishing new product as it arrives
- Responsible for placing signage in store, making price points focal.
- Providing customer service throughout the store and handled any customer issues effectively.
Intern
Smartmed Plus+ Networks
Chicago
02.2010 - 01.2011
- Posted payments to accounts using Kareo and Medisoft.
- Prepared and transmitted claims electronically.
- Followed up on claims and delinquent reimbursement.
- Created and organized documentation to support team.
- Built professional working relationships with peers and supervisors.
- Reported concerns to supervisor for resolution.
Sales Associate
Forever 21
Chicago
03.2008 - 01.2010
- Arranged new merchandise with signage and appealing displays to encourage customer sales and move overstock items.
- Answered product questions with up-to-date knowledge of sales and promotions.
- Built and maintained relationships with peers and upper management to drive team success.
Education
Medical Certification -
Everest College - Chicago
Chicago, ILAssociate of Arts -
Harold Washington College
Chicago, ILHigh School Diploma -
Dunbar Vocational Career Academy
Chicago, ILSkills
- Theme and Color Selection
- Work Documentation
- Interior Retail Displays
- In-Store Event Display Management
- Retail Sales Campaigns
- Merchandising Plan Development
- Documentation and Recordkeeping
- Customer Service
- Microsoft Office
- Independent Decision Making
- Problem-Solving
References
- Maria O’Donnell (colleague) Assistant Sales Manager 708-843-3451
- Anthony Wallace (subordinate) Floor Support 773-470-8835
- Beverly Taylor (manager) Regional Visual Manager 773-412-5315
Timeline
Visual Merchandising Manager
Ashley Furniture Homestore
08.2022 - Current
Visual Merchandising Team Lead
Target
06.2019 - 08.2022
Visual Merchandiser
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
08.2012 - 05.2019
Intern
Smartmed Plus+ Networks
02.2010 - 01.2011
Sales Associate
Forever 21
03.2008 - 01.2010
Medical Certification -
Everest College - Chicago
Associate of Arts -
Harold Washington College
High School Diploma -
Dunbar Vocational Career Academy